Interactive wagering systems and methods with parimutuel pool features

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides systems and methods for determining projected effects of proposed wagers on parimutuel pools in interactive wagering systems. In order to assist a user in making a wager, the projected effects of a user&#39;s proposed wager on associated parimutuel pools are provided to the user. The projected effects that are provided include projected odds associated with the proposed wager, which are calculated based on both the user&#39;s proposed wager and associated parimutuel pool information.

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisionalapplication No. 60/194,852, filed Apr. 5, 2000, which is herebyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to systems and methods for interactivewagering. More particularly, this invention relates to systems andmethods for determining the effect of proposed wagers on parimutuelpools so that users of interactive wagering systems can determinewhether or not to place a wager based on the effects.

[0003] Wagering on sporting events such as horse, dog, and harnessracing is a popular leisure activity. However, it is sometimesinconvenient to attend racing events in person. Not all racing fans havesufficient time to visit race tracks as often as they would like andsome fans have difficulty in obtaining suitable transportation to thetrack. Thus, there is a need for wagering services for fans who cannotattend racing events in person.

[0004] Off-track betting establishments, which are generally morereadily accessible than race tracks, have attempted to fill this need.However, racing fans who desire to place a wager still face the prospectof traveling to the off-track betting establishment.

[0005] Wagering via telephone is another option. A user of atelephone-based system typically sets up a telephone account againstwhich wagers may be made. In order to place wagers, the user mustinteract with a computerized telephone ordering system. This type ofsystem is mainly used for placing wagers. Detailed racing information istypically obtained from other sources, such as printed racing programs.

[0006] Wagering via a television set-top box is still another option. Asdescribed in Brenner et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,830,068, which is herebyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety, known systems enable auser to receive wagering information and place wagers using a televisionset-top box in a user's home.

[0007] Wagering via computer is yet another option. Using a computer, auser can similarly receive wagering information and place wagers fromthe user's home. Interactive wagering systems, in any incarnation, havegained widespread popularity due to the ease of use for the user.

[0008] A form of wagering called parimutuel wagering exists in which allmoney wagered in a race is pooled and divided up among those who havewinning tickets, after deductions such as statutory commissions andtaxes are made. Therefore, the odds in parimutuel pools are determinedby the sums wagered by participants. For example, in a parimutuel poolfor a horse race, the odds on a horse are determined by the sums ofmoney wagered on the horse relative to the total sum of money in theparimutuel pool.

[0009] It would therefore be desirable to provide systems and methodsfor interactive wagering that allow a user to see the effect of placingwagers on parimutuel pools in advance of actually placing the wagers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In accordance with the principles of the invention, systems andmethods for interactive wagering may be provided that allow a user tosee the effect of placing wagers on parimutuel pools in advance ofactually placing the wagers.

[0011] Interactive wagering systems and methods that allow a user to seethe effect of placing a wager on parimutuel pools may comprise awagering data hub that controls the flow of data that is related towagers, wagering events, and wagering accounts which include associatedparimutuel pools. In order to access this data, a user of the presentinvention may use a television set-top box, a computer, a telephone,and/or any other suitable device.

[0012] When a user builds a wager associated with a parimutuel poolusing a suitable device, the wager amount and parimutuel poolinformation may be used to determine what effect the user's wager has onthe user's potential winnings before placing the wager. The effectsdetermined can be made and provided to the user before the userfinalizes the wager, such that the user may be informed about a possibleresult of the wager before the wager is finalized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The above and other advantages of the present invention will beapparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like referencecharacters refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

[0014]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a wagering system constructed inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0015]FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a wagering data hub suitable for usewith the wagering system of FIG. 1;

[0016]FIG. 3A is a block diagram of a subscriber management systemsuitable for use with the wagering system of FIG. 1;

[0017]FIG. 3B is a block diagram of a set-top box and related equipmentsuitable for use with the wagering system of FIG. 1;

[0018] FIGS. 4-5 are illustrations of display screens through which auser may initiate wagering on a set-top box or computer interface inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] FIGS. 6-7 are illustrations of main menu display screens that maybe presented in a set-top box or computer interface in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention;

[0020]FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating a proBET mode that may bepresented in a set-top box or computer interface in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

[0021] FIGS. 9-15 are illustrations of display screens that may bepresented as part of the ProBET mode in a set-top box or computerinterface in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0022]FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a wagering system constructed inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0023]FIG. 17A is a flow diagram illustrating a process that allowsusers to see what projected effect proposed wagers may have onparimutuel pools in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0024]FIG. 17B is a flow diagram illustrating a process that may be usedto determine what projected effects proposed wagers may have onparimutuel pools in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0025]FIG. 18 is an illustration of a display screen that may bepresented as part of the ProBET mode in a set-top box or computerinterface in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;and

[0026]FIG. 19 is a flow diagram illustrating a process that may be usedto provide users with projected effects of proposed wagers on a userinterface implemented on telephones in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] One embodiment of an interactive wagering system 100 inaccordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. Asillustrated, system 100 includes a wagering data hub 102 that controlswagering in system 100 and that may be coupled to one or more televisionset-top boxes 104, one or more user telephones 106, and one or more usercomputers 108. Using any set-top box 104, telephone 106, or computer 108coupled to hub 102, a user of the present invention can receiveinformation regarding wagering events and wagering accounts, and placewagers related to those wagering events. The wagering data hub 102 mayalso be connected to a subscriber management system 110, one or moretelevision distribution systems 112, one or more tote companies 114, oneor more racing data providers 116, and one or more handicapping dataproviders 118.

[0028] Turning first to set-top boxes 104, in accordance with thepresent invention, set-top boxes 104 may be any suitable devices forreceiving data signals and video signals, processing the data signals,displaying at least a portion of the data signals and the video signals,and receiving user commands that cause data signals to be transmitted towagering data hub 102. For example, set-top boxes 104 may beconventional set-top boxes, may be circuitry in video cassetterecorders, digital video disc players, or televisions, or may be anyother suitable devices.

[0029] As can be seen from FIG. 1, set-top boxes 104 may receive datasignals from hub 102 via communication link 132, television distributionsystem 112, and communication link 128. These data signals preferablyinclude data relating to wagering events and wagering accounts.Alternatively or additionally to receiving the data signals via link132, system 112, and link 128, these signals may be received viacommunication link 138.

[0030] Set-top boxes 104 may receive video signals from a videoproduction system 120 via communication link 134, televisiondistribution system 112, and communication link 130. These video signalspreferably include video relating to wagering events that originate atrace tracks 122 and 124 and are transmitted to video production system120 via satellite 126. Alternatively or additionally to receiving videosignals via link 134, system 112, and link 130, video signals may bereceived from video production system 120 via communication link 140,hub 102, and link 138. Although links 128 and 130 are illustrated asseparate paths for transmitting signals, each link may be part of asingle communication mechanism. For example, link 128 may transmitsignals in the vertical blanking interval of a video signal carried inlink 130.

[0031] Set-top boxes 104 may transmit wagering data signals to wageringdata hub 102 via communication link 136, television distribution system112, and communication link 142 and/or via communication link 138.Communication link 138 is preferably a telephone connection, althoughany suitable connection (such as an Internet connection, etc.) couldalso be used. The signals received and transmitted by set-top box 104may be any suitable type of analog and/or digital signals that aretransmitted using any suitable method.

[0032] Television distribution system 112 and communication links 128,130, 132, 134, 136, and 142 are preferably all part of a cabletelevision system, although each may be part of any suitablecommunication system or combination of communication systems, such assatellite television systems, over-the-air television systems (includingRF, microwave, etc.), and computer networks (e.g., the Internet).Similarly to links 128 and 130, link 136 may be incorporated with eitheror both of links 128 and 130 as part of a single communication mechanismif desired, and links 132 and 142 may be incorporated together as partof a single communication mechanism if desired.

[0033] User telephones 106 preferably connect to hub 102 via telephoneline 144, although any suitable mechanism for connecting user telephones106 to hub 102 may also be used. Although user telephones 106 areillustrated as standard telephones, any type of device for receivingaudio prompts that may be heard by a user and for responding to thoseprompts (either by spoken word or key depression) may also be used. Inaddition, user telephone 106 may include video displays that show videorelating to wagering events that originate at race tracks 122 and 124.The video displays may be touch screens that accept user input.

[0034] User computers 108 preferably connect to hub 102 via computernetwork 146. Computer network 146 may be any suitable mechanism forconnecting a computer to hub 102, such as a direct telephone connection,one or more telephone connections and a data network connection (such asan Internet connection or a connection provided by computer networkprovider), or a direct data network connection.

[0035] Subscriber management system 110 enables the operator of thepresent invention to control access by users to the services provided byhub 102. In addition to being connected to hub 102 by communication link148, subscriber management system is also connected to tote companies114 via communication link 150. Communication links 148 and 150 may beany suitable mechanism for communicating data and may use any type ofdata transmission method. The connection to tote companies 114 enablessubscriber management system 110 to create and update wagering accountsthat are located at tote companies 114. In preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, when a wager is placed by a user using one of set-topboxes 104, telephones 106, and computers 108, hub 102 accessessubscriber management system 110 to verify that the wager is authorized.One embodiment of a subscriber management system 110 is describedfurther below in connection with FIG. 3A.

[0036] As stated above, tote companies 114, racing data providers 116,and handicapping data providers 118 may be connected to hub 102 viacommunication links 150, 152, and 154, respectively. Tote companies 114preferably provide wagering event data and account information to hub102, and receive wager information from hub 102. Racing data providers116 and handicapping data providers 118 preferably provide statisticaland handicapping data to hub 102. As shown, tote companies 114 andracing data providers 116 typically receive data from race tracks 122and 124 via communication links 158, while handicapping data providerstypically receive data from one or more of racing data providers 116 viacommunication link 156. The data received from and transmitted to totecompanies 114, racing data providers 116, and handicapping dataproviders 118 may be transmitted over links 150, 152, and 154 using anysuitable method, and these communication links may be any suitablemechanisms for transmitting that data. Similarly, communication links156 and 158 may be any suitable mechanism for transmitting data that useany suitable method.

[0037] Turning additionally to FIG. 2, wagering data hub 102 (FIG. 1) isillustrated in further detail. As shown, hub 102 includes a datadistribution system 202, a database 204, a set-top server (non-telco)206, a set-top server (telco) 208, an interactive voice response (IVR)server 210, a personal computer (PC) server 212, a modem bank 214, andinterface circuitry 216. Data distribution system 202 and database 204work in conjunction with each other to receive, store, and provideracing statistical and handicapping data from and to other components insystem 100 of the present invention. As illustrated, racing data may bereceived from tote companies 114 (via interface circuitry 216) andracing data providers 116, and handicapping data may be received fromhandicapping data providers 118. This racing and handicapping data maythen be provided to set-top servers 206 and 208, IVR server 210, and PCserver 212.

[0038] Set-top server (non-telco) 206 may provide data and video signalsto, and receive data signals from, set-top terminals 104 via televisiondistribution system 112. Set-top server (telco) 208 may provide data andvideo signals to, and receive data signals from, set-top terminals 104via modem bank 214 and communication link 138. To coordinate the datasent between servers 206 and 208, hub 102 may incorporate a link 218between the servers, or the servers may be consolidated into a singlemechanism.

[0039] Interactive voice response server 210 may provide interactivevoice prompts to telephones 106 via link 144. These prompts may be amenu of actual or simulated voice options to which a user can respond byspeaking or depressing a button on one of telephones 106. Through theseprompts, server 210 may provide account information and racing andhandicapping data, including information about various races, horses,jockeys, odds, etc. Through these responses, server 210 may receivewager data.

[0040] PC server 212 may provide data and video signals to, and receivedata signals from, computers 108 via modem bank 214 and link 146 orthrough link 146 alone. When computers 108 access server 212 via atelephone line, the computers preferably use bank 214 and link 146. Whencomputers 108 use a computer network connection (such as the Internet)to access server 212, the computers preferably bypass modem bank 214.

[0041] In order to authorize and submit wagers, each of servers 206,208, 210, and 212 preferably provide data to and receive data from totecompanies 114 (via interface circuitry 216 and link 150) and subscribermanagement system 110 (via link 148). For example, when a user requeststo place a wager via any of these servers, the corresponding server maysend an authorization request to either subscriber management system(SMS) 110 or one of tote companies 114. When the request is sent to atote company 114, the server may select the desired tote company fromamong several available tote companies. In response to that request, theSMS 110 or tote 114 may reply with an authorization. The server may thensend the wager to the tote company (if not already completed).

[0042] Similarly, to notify the users of the status or history of theiraccounts or to credit those accounts with additional funds or winnings,account information and money transfer information may be transmitted toand received from the tote or SMS. For example, using a user interfacefrom one of a set-top box 104, telephone 106, or computer 108, a usermay authorize additional funds to be transferred from the user's bank orcredit card account when the available funds in the user's account dropbelow a desired level.

[0043] In some embodiments of the present invention, video signals areprovided to set-top boxes 104 by servers 206 and/or 208, and tocomputers 108 by server 212. These signals are preferably received atthe servers from video production system 120 by link 140.

[0044] One embodiment of a subscriber management system (SMS) 110 inaccordance with the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 3A. Asshown, SMS 110 may include a subscriber database 302, an interfacecomputer 304, one or more customer service stations 306, one or moreremote customer service stations 308, and one or more tote companyadministration stations 310. Subscriber database 302 stores informationregarding each user's account. This data may include current balance,past wagering history, individual wagering limits, personalidentification numbers, billing addresses, credit card numbers, bankaccount numbers, social security numbers, etc. The data in database 302may be accessed by hub 102 (FIG. 1) using interface computer 304. Insome embodiments of the present invention, interface computer 304 may beomitted and hub 102 may access database 302 directly.

[0045] Stations 306 and 308 preferably enable the operator of system 100(FIG. 1) to oversee and control the usage of the system by the users.Tote company administration stations 310 enable the operators of system100 to create and update accounts for users at the tote companies 114(FIG. 1). Subscriber database 302 and interface computer 304 may be anysuitable devices for storing data and accessing the data base,respectively. Each of stations 306, 308, and 310 may be any suitablecomputers for accessing database 302 and tote companies 114.

[0046] Although wagering data hub 102 and subscriber management system110 are illustrated as separate systems and may be located at separatefacilities, it should be noted that hub 102 and system 110 may becombined into a single system at a single location, or may be furthersplit apart into finer sub-units at remotely connected locations.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 1-3B, by centralizing the storage of race andhandicapping data in database 204 and account information in database302, the present invention provides a more cost-efficient andcentralized interactive wagering system that may be accessed by usersusing a variety of methods. For example, a user may access race andhandicapping data from home using a set-top box 104 in order to considera wager to be made. Later, that user may place that wager using acellular telephone while away from his or home. Finally, from the user'soffice, the user can then use his or her PC to check the status of thewager to determine if the user won. In this way, a user may access anyof his or her accounts using any of the interfaces provided in theinteractive wagering system. Alternatively, for example, wageringenthusiasts who do not have access to a set-top box 104 or a computer108 may still receive race, handicapping, and account information andplace wagers using the IVR interface accessible using telephones 106.

[0048] An illustration of a set-top box 104 (FIG. 1) and relatedcomponents is shown in FIG. 3B. As can be seen, set-top box 104 may beconnected to television distribution system 112 by links 128, 130, and136. Set-top box 104 may also be connected to a telephone network bylink 138. Through these connections, set-top box 104 is able tocommunicate with wagering data hub 102 (FIG. 1). In order to controlset-top box 104, a remote control 352, a keyboard 354 (e.g., an infraredkeyboard), and/or a pointing device 356 may also be provided.Additionally, set-top box 104 may be connected to a videocassetterecorder 360 (or any other suitable television appliance) and/or atelevision 362, and any other local equipment 364 (such as a personalcomputer that is connected to a cable modem in set-top box 104). Inorder to control a videocassette recorder 360, an infrared transmitter(or any other suitable control interface, such as an RS-232 interface)may also be provided.

[0049] Set-top box 104 may include tuning, communications, and displaycircuitry 366, a modem 368, a receiver 370, control circuitry 372, adata port 374, indicators 376, and memory 378. Tuning, communications,and display circuitry 366 may be any suitable circuitry for receiving,splitting, combining, and/or distributing video and data signals to andfrom the television distribution system 112, control circuitry 372,memory 378, videocassette recorder 360, and television 362. Modem 368may be any suitable device for communicating data with a telephonenetwork. Receiver 370 may be any suitable device for receiving signalsfrom keyboard 354. Control circuitry 372 may be any suitable device,such as a microprocessor, microcontroller, dedicated logic, a computer,etc., for controlling the functionality of set-top box 104. Data port374 may be any suitable interface for communicating with local equipment364. Indicators 376 may be any suitable devices for indicating eventsand statuses to a user, including light-emitting diodes, displays, audiosystems, etc. Finally, memory 378 may be any suitable storage device ordevices for storing data, including random access memory, flash memory,a disk drive, etc.

[0050] During operation, control circuitry 372 will preferably executeinstructions stored in memory 378. Through these instructions, thecontrol circuitry will control the flow of video and data throughcircuitry 366, control the flow of data through modem 368, receiver 370,data port 374, and infrared transmitter 358, and drive indicators 376.More particularly, these instructions may cause a user interface asdescribed below to be implemented on television 362.

[0051] A variety of user interfaces can be provided at set-top boxes104, telephones 106, and computers 108 (FIG. 1) in accordance with thepresent invention. One embodiment of a user interface that may beimplemented on set-top boxes 104 and computers 108, for example, isillustrated in FIGS. 4-15 and FIG. 18. Although specific combinations offeatures are illustrated in these figures, any subset of these featuresand many additional features could be implemented in accordance with thepresent invention. Also, although the illustrated embodiment of the userinterface is directed to wagering on horse racing, it should be notedthat this user interface could be modified for any type of wageringevent.

[0052] Turning first to FIGS. 4 and 5, two examples of methods foraccessing the user interface are shown. As illustrated in FIG. 4, theuser interface could be accessible from the main menu 400 of aninteractive television program guide. In addition to listing menuoptions for displaying information about television programs and forperforming other functions, such a menu could include a menu option 402that, when selected, would initiate the user interface. Additionally oralternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the user interface could beinitiated using a prompt 502 that appears on top of a user televisionprogram 500. This prompt could appear on top of any television program(for example, when triggered by the start of a race for which a wagerhas been placed (as explained below)) or could appear on top of wageringevent programs only when those programs are selected for viewing (forexample, when triggered by a signal in the vertical blanking interval ofa program or by an attached program guide). Also illustrated in FIG. 5,is a banner 504 that indicates that the user has tuned to the “TVG”channel and that channel is currently showing horse racing. Althoughillustrated in FIG. 5, banner 504 is optional.

[0053] Once the user interface has been initiated, one of the main menusin FIGS. 6 or 7 is displayed. As illustrated in FIG. 6, an initial mainmenu 608 is displayed in screen 600. Initial main menu 608 is preferablyonly presented when the user interface is used for the first time. Theinitial main menu 608 may also be displayed when the user interfacedetects that the user is making many mistakes, or at any other suitabletime. At all other times, normal main menu 702 shown in FIG. 7 isdisplayed when the user activates the user interface.

[0054] As shown, screen 600 also includes a status bar 601 that includesan operator icon 602, a current function indicator 604, and a clock 606.As will be illustrated in other figures that follow, status bar 601 mayinclude other pieces of information as well. Operator icon 602 indicatesto the user that “TVG” is the operator of system 100 (FIG. 1). Functionindicator 604 indicates to the user that he or she is currently in themain menu. As the user moves through different menus, function indicator604 preferably changes to indicate the current function being used.

[0055] Initial main menu 608 includes a “Tour TVG” option 610, a “How ToOpen Account” option 612, a “Player Setup” option 614, and a “Watch TVG”option 616. Any of these options (or any of the options in thesubsequent menus) may be selected by using a remote control toreposition the highlight that is illustrated around option 610 to adesired option and to select that option. Alternatively, any othersuitable method for selecting the menu options (such as using a computermouse or keyboard) may be used in accordance with the present invention.

[0056] Turning to the options, “Tour TVG” option 610 preferably causes atutorial of the features and operation of the user interface to bepresented to the user. This tutorial could be presented in any methodknown in the art. Similarly, “How To Open Account” option 612 preferablycauses instructions to be presented to the user that instruct him or herhow to open an account for wagering. These instructions may additionallyenable the user to actually open an account using the user interface ormay require the user to contact the operator directly (for example, bycalling a “1-800” telephone number). “Player Setup” option 614 enablesthe user to access the player setup submenu. The player setup submenu isdiscussed further in connection with FIGS. 109-118 below. Finally,“Watch TVG” option 616 causes the user interface to terminate and awagering television channel (or any other suitable channel) to bedisplayed as illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0057]FIG. 7 illustrates normal main menu 702 in screen 700. As shown,menu 702 includes a “ProBET” option 704, a “Build-A-Bet” option 706, a“Handicapping” option 708, a “Track Information” option 710, a “PlayerInformation” option 712, a “Setup” option 714, and a “Watch TVG” option716.

[0058] When a user selects “ProBET” option 704 from menu 702 or menu718, series 800 of display screens 900-1500 and 1800 (FIGS. 9-15 andFIG. 18) illustrated in FIG. 8 can be accessed. For example, when a userselects option 704, screen 900 is displayed as shown in FIG. 9. As canbe seen, in screen 900, current function indicator 604 indicates thatthe user is currently operating in the “ProBET” menu function. In thismode, a selection window 902 is first displayed. Window 902 includes anaction indicator 904 that indicates to the user the next action thatmust be taken. In this case, the user is required to select a track forthe bet. To do so, the user is presented with track option indicator 906and a series of track options 908. The user interface then waits for theuser to select one of options 908. In FIG. 9, it can be seen that theuser has highlighted “CD” which is an abbreviation for “ChurchillDowns”.

[0059] Once the user has selected a track, screen 1000 is displayed asshown in FIG. 10. As illustrated, status bar 601 now includes a trackindicator 1002 that indicates that the user has selected “ChurchillDowns.” Similarly, track options 908 next to track option indicator 906have changed their appearance so that all of options 908 except fortrack option 1004 (the selected track option) are light in color andtrack option 1004 is dark in color. Further, to indicate the trackselection, a ticket window 1006 in screen 1000 shows a track indication1008 that preferably uses the same abbreviation as that selection fromtrack options 908.

[0060] In screen 1000, the user is required to select one of racechoices 1010 as indicated by race choice indicator 1012. As can be seen,the left-most choice 1010 is indicated as “MRB”. This is a “multi-racebet” choice that requires selections from multiple races. Next to theright-most choice 1010 is an arrow 1014 that indicates that other racechoices 1010 are available by scrolling to the right of the right-mostchoice.

[0061] Once the user has selected a race, screen 1100 is displayed asshown in FIG. 11. As can be seen, the user's selection of race 2 inscreen 1000 (FIG. 10) is indicated in a race countdown 1102 in statusbar 601, in the display colors of race options 1010, and in raceindication 1104 of ticket window 1006. Similarly to selecting the race,the user is next required in screen 1100 to select the type of bet (orwager). Next to a type indicator 1106, a series of type options 1108 aredisplayed. Arrow 1110 indicates that additional options 1108 areavailable. Choices “EXA,” “EXB,” “TRI,” “TRB,” “WIN,” “PLC,” and “SHW”indicate the common horse racing bet types “exacta,” “exacta-box,”“trifecta,” “trifecta-box,” “win,” “place,” and “show,” respectively.

[0062] Turning to FIG. 12, it can be seen that the user has selected“trifecta” from type indicator 1202 in ticket window 1006 of screen1200. Because the user has selected a “trifecta” race type, three placeselections (i.e., 1st, 2nd, and 3rd) must be selected by the user. Ifthe user had selected a “win” race type, for example, then only a singleplace selection would be required. In response to place choices 1204,the user is then required to select at least one first place choice, atleast one second place choice, and at least one third place choice, eachfrom the corresponding row of choices 1204.

[0063] After the user has selected the place choices, screen 1300 isdisplayed as illustrated in FIG. 13. As shown, the user has selected onefirst place choice (choice “5”), one second place choice (choice “2”),and three third place choices (choices “3”, “4”, and “6”). Because ofthese last three choices, the user is in effect placing three wagers:one for choices “5”, “2”, and “3”; one for choices “5”, “2”, and “4”;and one for choices “5”, “2”, and “6”. At this point, the user interfacerequires the user to select a per bet amount from one of amount choices1302. As the user moves the highlight to select each one of the choices1302, the total bet amount indicated in ticket window is preferablyupdated.

[0064] Finally, once the user has selected the bet amount from screen1300, the user is presented with screen 1400 as shown in FIG. 14 toconfirm the bet by selecting “OK” icon 1402 before the bet is placed ina bet queue. The user interface then proceeds to screen 1500 shown inFIG. 15.

[0065] As illustrated in FIG. 15, screen 1500 includes queue window1502. Queue window 1502 includes bet queue 1508, user options 1504,action indicator 1506, and total bet indicator 1510. From bet queue1508, the user can see all of his or her previously placed, but unsentbets. Total bet indicator 1510 indicates to the user the total amount ofthe bets waiting to be sent. Also shown in window 1502 is odds window1512. If an unsent bet in a race is highlighted by the user, forexample, the Churchill Downs bet shown in race 1514, the odds for thatwager are displayed in odds window 1512. Odds window 1512 displays thathorse “1” has 7-to-1 odds to win. By selecting one of user options 1504,the user can indicate to the user interface how to proceed with the betsshown in bet queue 1508. For example, by selecting the “New” option1504, the user can add another bet. By selecting the “Dup” option 1504,the user can duplicate a bet. By selecting the “Send” option 1504, theuser can send the bets to the tote company which finalizes them andplaces them into racetrack pools. By selecting the “Del” option 1504,the user can delete a bet and by selecting the “Menu” option 1504, theuser can access a drop down menu. As the user scrolls through each ofoptions 1504, the user interface updates action indicator 1506 toindicate what will happen if the selection is selected.

[0066] Once the user has built or proposed a wager, the interactivewagering system can proceed to determine what effects the user'sproposed wager would have on parimutuel pools that are associated withthe user's proposed wager. With reference now to FIG. 16, the projectedeffects can be determined by computer wagering system 1604, IVR controlsystem 1606, wagering data hub 1602, TV wagering system 1608, or anyother suitable equipment with data processing circuitry or by softwarethat has access to the user's wager settings.

[0067]FIG. 16 shows some components of interactive wagering system 100that may be used to determine what effects the user's wager may have onassociated parimutuel pools. The data that may be required to determinethe effects of the user's wager may be stored in computer wageringsystem 1604, IVR control system 1606, wagering data hub 1602, TVwagering system 1608, or any other suitable devices with data storagefacilities which are part of interactive wagering system 100illustratively shown in FIG. 1. Data signals may be communicated betweenthese devices as shown in FIGS. 1-3.

[0068] The data required to determine what effect the user's wager wouldhave on associated pools may include parameters of the user's proposedwager such as the race track, wager type, wager amount, current odds,and current size of the parimutuel pool (the amount of money wagered forthat wager in that race) that is associated with the user selected raceor races as shown in data storage block 1610. Once the projected effectsof the user's proposed wager on associated parimutuel pools have beendetermined, the projected effects may be presented to the user withdevices such as computer 1612, telephone 1614, television set-top box1616, or any other suitable user device. These devices are coupled toeach other and other parts of interactive wagering system 100 as shownin FIG. 1.

[0069]FIG. 17A shows process 1700 for an interactive wagering systemwhich allows a user to see the projected effect of the user's proposedwager on parimutuel pools. Process 1700 starts at step 1702, thenreceives user's input at step 1704. Information is preferably obtained,based on user's input, that affect winnings, such as odds, pool size,and size of wagers on other horses at step 1706. The projected effect ofuser's proposed wager on associated parimutuel pools is determined atstep 1708, and the projected effects are displayed at step 1710. Whetherthe user's wager is final is preferably determined at step 1712, beforethe process ends at step 1714. If the user's wager is not final, process1700 is repeated, starting at step 1704.

[0070] For a win wager, where the user picks a horse to finish in firstplace at one race track, the user receives winnings which areproportional to the user's proposed wager amount and odds. FIG. 17Bshows process 1700 for determining the projected effect of the odds on awin wager based on the proposed new wager by the user.

[0071]FIG. 17B shows process 1716 starting at step 1718 and receivinguser input for building the user's wagers, such as wager amount, racetrack, race, and wager type at step 1720. The process continues at step1722 when data such as odds and pool size associated with the userselected race track are determined. The pool can be the total amount ofmoney wagered by all users for the same wager type on the same race lessany amount deducted by race track service providers. At step 1724, theuser's proposed wager amount is added to the win pool to get new poolresult, “X_(t).” At step 1726, the user's wager mount is added to wagersthe same horse to get the result, “X_(t).” In order to determine oddsfor each horse entered in the race, the amounts wagered thus far on eachhorse is divided by the new pool, “X_(T)”, to get projected odds foreach horse at step 1728. The projected odds may then be displayed atstep 1730 before the wager is finalized in step 1732. When process 1716ends at step 1734, the projected odds may be stored in computer wageringsystem 1604, IVR control system 1606, wagering data hub 1602, TVwagering system 1608, or any other suitable equipment with data storagefacilities.

[0072] Steps 1724 and 1726 are interchangeable in order of occurrence inprocess 1716. For a win wager on a race, process 1716 can be repeatedeach time with different proposed wager amounts, so that the user canget projected new odds for different proposed wager amounts.

[0073] In addition to win wagers, the user may obtain projected odds forother types of wagers such as for wagers such as place, show, exacta,quinella, trifecta, superfecta, daily double, pick 3, pick 4, pick 6, orany type of wager for which there is at least one associated parimutuelpool. The user can find the projected effects of different proposedwagers (amount, number of horses, etc.) on parimutuel pools associatedwith the wager type.

[0074] Turning back to FIG. 15, projected odds may be displayed in anodds window. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 18, odds window 1512 may beselected to toggle between showing the odds for the race, the odds priorto the user placing the wager (“Old Odds”), and showing the projectedodds (“New Odds”) for the race based on the user placing a wager thatthe user has created. In another embodiment of the present invention,the user may access projected odds by using the user input device,instead of toggling odds window 1512. For example, if the user inputdevice is a remote control, there may be a button that the user canpress in order to display projected odds in odds window 1512. In yetanother embodiment of the present invention, projected future odds mayappear in another odds window called “New Odds” alongside odds window1512 which may display “Old Odds”.

[0075]FIG. 18 shows “New Odds” which are determined by taking intoaccount the projected effects of the user's proposed wager. In aparimutuel pool which is relatively small compared to the user'sproposed wager, the effect of the user's proposed wager is to decreasethe odds for horses selected by the user. FIGS. 15 and 18 show atrifecta wager which has been placed by the user. When odds window 1812shows the “New Odds” for the horses of highlighted race 1814, the oddsfor horses numbered 2, 3, 4, and 5 in the highlighted race havedecreased. The user's potential winnings on a horse originates fromwagers on other horses. The odds on a horse is proportionate to theratio of the wagers on other horses to the wagers on that horse. When auser places a large bet on a horse, or group of horses, the ratio of thewagers on other horses to the wagers on that horse, or group of horses,decreases, thereby causing the odds on the horse, or group of horses, tosubstantially decrease. The substantially decreased odds may simply meanthat the expected return on the proposed wager, if successful, will alsosubstantially decrease, as reflected in odds window 1812 of FIG. 18.

[0076] If the user is dissatisfied with the projected odds of wagers,the user can change or delete the wagers. For every new wager that isplaced, odds window 1812 can be toggled to show either “Old Odds” or“New Odds” for a proposed wager that is highlighted. As can be seen fromFIG. 8, if the user selects the “New” option, the user interface willreturn the user to screen 1100 of FIG. 11. At this point, the userinterface will use the track and race selections chosen by the user inmaking the previous wager. If the user would like to change thoseselections, the user may move the highlight up to choices 1010 (FIG. 10)or options 908 (FIG. 9).

[0077] If the user selects the “Dup”, “Del”, or “Menu” options, the userinterface will enable the user to duplicate a bet, delete a bet, oraccess a drop down menu, respectively. If the user is satisfied with abet, the user can select the “Send” option, then the user interface willenable the user to finalize a bet. After the user has finalized thewager, the interactive wagering system may update odds window 1512 toshow the actual odds associated with the user's wager. These odds may bedifferent in value from the “New Odds” shown to the user for reasonssuch as simultaneous wagering of other users on the interactive wageringsystem.

[0078] Projected odds based on proposed wagers associated withparimutuel pools can also be provided to the user with a user interfacebased on telephones 106 or computers 108. FIG. 19 shows process 1900starting at step 1902 which allows a user to build a wager at step 1904with parameters such as wager amount, race track, race, and wager type.The user may be prompted for the parameters and may respond by pressingtelephone buttons, by pressing keys on a keyboard, by voice, or by touchscreen display.

[0079]FIG. 19 also shows that the interactive wagering system maycalculate the projected odds based on the user's tentative wager at step1906. The calculation may be performed by IVR control system 1606, bywagering data hub 1602, by computer wagering control system 1604, by anyother suitable equipment with data processing circuitry or by softwarethat has access to the user's wager settings. The user interface maythen present the user with projected odds in step 1908, by announcingthem to the user, or by showing them in a display. If desired, the sizeof pools associated with the proposed wager may also be displayed. Theuser can choose to repeat the projected odds in step 1910, or proceed tofinalize the wager in step 1912. The wager may then be sent in step 1914to wagering data hub 102.

[0080] Projected odds may be displayed on a telephone (cellulartelephone, land-based telephone, etc.), a computer monitor, or apersonal digital assistant using display screens such as the displayscreen of FIG. 19. Cellular phone based interactive wagering systems aredescribed in Zaring et al. U.S. patent application No. 09/516,736, filedMar. 1, 2000, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety. However, the display screen may vary to suit the displaycapabilities of the telephone, computer monitor, or personal digitalassistant.

[0081] Thus systems and methods for interactive wagering for providingthe projected effects of proposed or unsent wagers on parimutuel poolsare described. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the presentinvention may be practiced by other than the described embodiments,which are presented for purposes of illustration and not of limitation,and the present invention is limited only by the claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for providing the projected effects ofwagering on parimutuel pools to a user in an interactive wageringsystem, comprising: receiving user input to propose a wager that isassociated with at least one parimutuel pool; obtaining information thataffects the user's potential winnings based on the user input; andproviding what projected effect the user's proposed wager can have onthe parimutuel pool to the user.
 2. The method of claim 1 , wherein theuser input comprises a selection of a wager amount.
 3. The method ofclaim 1 , wherein the user input comprises a selection of a wager type.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the user input comprises a selectionof a race track.
 5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the user inputcomprises a selection of a race.
 6. The method of claim 1 , wherein theuser input comprises a selection of at least one horse.
 7. The method ofclaim 1 , wherein the information obtained comprises parimutuel poolinformation.
 8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the information obtainedcomprises current odds for the wager.
 9. The method of claim 1 , whereinwhat projected effect the proposed wager can have on the parimutuel poolcomprises projected odds for the proposed wager.
 10. The method of claim1 , wherein the interactive wagering system further comprises a userinterface that includes a telephone.
 11. The method of claim 10 ,wherein the projected effect is announced to the user.
 12. The method ofclaim 10 , wherein the projected effect is displayed to the user. 13.The method of claim 1 , wherein the interactive wagering system furthercomprises a user interface that includes a set top box.
 14. The methodof claim 13 , wherein the projected effect is displayed to the user. 15.The method of claim 1 , wherein the interactive wagering system furthercomprises a user interface that includes a computer.
 16. The method ofclaim 15 , wherein the projected effect is displayed to the user.
 17. Amethod for providing the projected effects of wagering on oddsassociated with a proposed wager in an interactive wagering system,comprising: receiving user input to create the proposed wager that isassociated with at least one parimutuel pool; obtaining parimutuel poolinformation; obtaining current odds for the proposed wager; determiningwhat effect the proposed wager can have on the current odds; andproviding projected odds to the user.
 18. The method of claim 17 ,wherein the user input comprises a selection of a wager amount.
 19. Themethod of claim 17 , wherein the user input comprises a selection of awager type.
 20. The method of claim 17 , wherein the user inputcomprises a race track.
 21. The method of claim 17 , wherein the userinput comprises a race.
 22. The method of claim 17 , wherein the userinput comprises at least one horse.
 23. The method of claim 17 , whereinthe interactive wagering system further comprises a user interface thatincludes a telephone.
 24. The method of claim 23 , wherein the projectedeffect is announced to the user.
 25. The method of claim 23 , whereinthe projected effect is displayed to the user.
 26. The method of claim17 , wherein the interactive wagering system further comprises a userinterface that includes a set top box.
 27. The method of claim 26 ,wherein the projected effect is displayed to the user.
 28. The method ofclaim 26 , wherein projected odds which include the projected effects ofplacing the proposed wager, is displayed in a window.
 29. The method ofclaim 28 , wherein the window can be toggled to display the projectedodds associated with the proposed wager.
 30. The method of claim 17 ,wherein the interactive wagering system further comprises a userinterface that includes a computer.
 31. The method of claim 30 , whereinthe projected effect is displayed to the user.
 32. An interactivewagering system for providing what projected effects wagering can haveon parimutuel pools to a user, comprising: a user input device thatreceives user input to propose a wager that is associated with at leastone parimutuel pool; and circuitry that is configured to obtaininformation for the proposed wager that affect user's potential winningsbased on the user input and to display what projected effects the user'sproposed wager can have on the parimutuel pools to the user.
 33. Thesystem of claim 32 , wherein the user input comprises a selection of awager amount.
 34. The system of claim 32 , wherein the user inputcomprises a selection of a wager type.
 35. The system of claim 32 ,wherein the user input comprises a selection of a race track.
 36. Thesystem of claim 32 , wherein the user input comprises a selection of arace.
 37. The system of claim 32 , wherein the user input comprises aselection of at least one horse.
 38. The system of claim 32 , whereinthe information obtained comprises parimutuel pool information.
 39. Thesystem of claim 32 , wherein the information obtained comprises currentodds for the proposed wager.
 40. The system of claim 32 , wherein theprojected effects of placing the proposed wager on associated parimutuelpools comprise projected odds for the proposed wager.
 41. The system ofclaim 32 , wherein the interactive wagering system further comprises auser interface that includes a telephone.
 42. The system of claim 41 ,wherein the projected effect is announced to the user.
 43. The system ofclaim 41 , wherein the projected effect is displayed to the user. 44.The system of claim 32 , wherein the interactive wagering system furthercomprises a user interface that includes a set top box.
 45. The systemof claim 44 , wherein the projected effect is displayed to the user. 46.The system of claim 32 , wherein the interactive wagering system furthercomprises a user interface that includes a computer.
 47. The system ofclaim 46 , wherein the projected effect is displayed to the user.
 48. Aninteractive wagering system for providing what effect wagering can haveon current odds associated with a proposed wager, comprising: a userinput device that receives user input to create the proposed wager thatis associated with at least one parimutuel pool; and circuitry that isconfigured to obtain parimutuel pool information, to obtain current oddsfor the proposed wager, to determine what projected effects the wagercan have on the current odds, and to display projected odds to the user.49. The system of claim 48 , wherein the user input comprises aselection of a wager amount.
 50. The system of claim 48 , wherein theuser input comprises a selection of a wager type.
 51. The system ofclaim 48 , wherein the user input comprises a selection of a race track.52. The system of claim 48 , wherein the user input comprises aselection of a race.
 53. The system of claim 48 , wherein the user inputcomprises a selection of at least one horse.
 54. The system of claim 48, wherein the interactive wagering system further comprises a userinterface that includes a telephone.
 55. The system of claim 54 ,wherein the projected effect is announced to the user.
 56. The system ofclaim 54 , wherein the projected effect is displayed to the user. 57.The system of claim 48 , wherein the interactive wagering system furthercomprises a user interface that includes a set top box.
 58. The systemof claim 57 , wherein the projected effect is displayed to the user. 59.The system of claim 57 , wherein projected odds which include theprojected effects of placing the proposed wager, is displayed in awindow.
 60. The system of claim 59 , wherein the window can be toggledto display the projected odds associated with the proposed wager. 61.The system of claim 48 , wherein the interactive wagering system furthercomprises a user interface that includes a computer.
 62. The system ofclaim 61 , wherein the projected effect is displayed to the user